When planning a staycation this year, there’s no need to leave your pet behind – after all, they need a change of scene as much as you do! We’ve selected five of the best pet friendly getaways from Ireland’s Blue Book. This offers an impressive range of discreet, luxuriously appointed properties. Comprising country house hotels, elegant Georgian manors, stately castles, historic hotels, luxury boutique hotels and barges there is something to suit all tastes and requirements. Ireland’s Blue Book Vouchers are welcomed at all the properties.

Cashel House, Co Galway 

Welcoming guests for the last 40 years, Cashel House is formerly one of Connemara’s most gracious homes, set in 50 acres of grounds on the beautiful coastline of Cashel Bay. The location is an ideal base from which to enjoy walking, beaches, sea and lake fishing, golf, horse riding, Kylemore Gardens and trips of Aran and Inish Boffin islands. Pets are more than welcome to stay in guest’s bedrooms. They will also get to meet Sammy – a long term four-legged resident at Cashel House; www.cashelhouse.ie.

Mustard Seed, Co Limerick 

This countryside retreat, on the doorstep of Adare, welcomes pet owners to stay with their (well-behaved) pets. Accommodation options include a superior room on the ground floor with doors opening onto the garden for convenience and lots of space for pets’ sleeping arrangement. A deluxe suite is also ideal with access to the outside without having to go through the hotel reception areas. With beautiful grounds, an orchard, kitchen garden and inspiring interiors, this is an idyllic hideaway; www.mustardseed.ie.

Tankardstown House, Co Meath 

Dogs are welcome to stay at the elegant Tankardstown House, where Millie, Choo and Mika, the resident pooches, are always excited to have new friends come by. Though the main house is only for two-legged creatures, dogs are more than welcome to stay overnight in one of the Courtyard Cottage Suites, which open out onto the courtyard and garden. There is no charge for pedigree chums; www.tankardstown.ie.

Rosleague Manor, Co Galway 

Set in 30 acres of secluded woodland to the ocean’s edge, Rosleague is a beautifully wooded area on the coast, just one mile from the Connemara National Park, an area of some 5,000 acres and just a five minute drive to Kylemore’s beautiful Abbey and walled gardens. That means there’s plenty of room for guests and their pets to walk. The Georgian house overlooks Ballinakill Bay and has been discreetly converted into a first-class hotel with a Victorian-style conservatory and drawing rooms with open log fires. All of the bedrooms are individually decorated and feature fine antiques and paintings; www.rosleague.com.

Enniscoe House, Co Mayo  

The classical Georgian beauty Enniscoe House is often referred to as the “last Great House of North Mayo.” It is situated on the shores of Lough Conn, with views of the lake across the parkland. Dogs are welcomed with a treat box guaranteed to set tails wagging. Gardeners are well catered for too: the old walled garden has been restored, and another garden produces organically grown vegetables. In addition one farmyard now houses a small agricultural museum, tearoom and shop, and a genealogy centre researching names and families of Mayo origin; www.enniscoe.com.

Need to know: For further information on all of the 56 properties in the Ireland’s Blue Book collection, which also includes a number of award winning restaurants, four of whom have been awarded Michelin stars, visit www.irelandsbluebook.com.